Fast facts: Surveying
5 facts facts
Surveying helps shape our built and natural environments with spatial information that ranges from topographical and hydrographic examinations, thermal imaging and mobile mapping to GPS and GIS surveys, and more. The work of our surveyors moulds the present and contributes to the heritage of our landscapes and infrastructure.
Q What’s the greatest challenge in surveying?
The industry is evolving and progressing through rapidly changing technological advancements, which means surveyors must keep pace with these innovations.
While traditional land surveying skills remain essential and in-demand, the field of surveying is increasingly becoming more technologically orientated. In the future, surveying will not just be overseen by a team of technicians, but also data analysts, and technology experts.
Q How diverse or unexpected is surveying?
Every day as a surveyor is vastly different; whilst the diversity of projects and locations keeps the work fresh and exciting. Whether conducting a boundary survey in rural areas or working on infrastructure projects, there is always something new to learn.
Surveyors are often the first people on any construction site to accurately measure and map the land. Their initial measurements are able to inform architects and engineers to understand the environment and make the most of the unique landscape when designing structures.
Surveyors get to enjoy outdoor adventures and problem-solving, however, when working in adverse weather conditions and remote locations the job is often challenging and unpredictable.
Q Who’s a historic figure considered important in the field of surveying?
William John Wills of The Burke and Wills expedition which was the first European expedition to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Their route across the continent prompted the discovery of farming land enabling further European settlement in Australia.
You know you are a surveyor when...
You carry a *plumb-bob.
(*A plumb-bob, otherwise known as a plumb-bob level, or plummet, is the forerunner to the spirit level and is used to find a vertical line in the ground known as the ‘plumb’ which captures a vertical data point. Pencil-shaped, the plumb-bob is a pointed weight suspended from a string and dates back to the ancient Egyptians).
Q What’s a surveying fun-fact?
Mount Everest is named after British surveyor, Sir George Everest.
Q What’s a new trend in surveying that’s exciting?
Innovative survey technology such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), laser scanners, drones, automation, and augmented reality. These types of technology advancements are constantly improving the surveying industry as well as surveyors’ capabilities, accuracy, and efficiency.
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